Bird Sot't for July. 107 



Mr. J. W. Mellor reports from I.O(kl(\vs. on the Adelaide 

 jilains — 



July 1. — White-fronted Herons returned to Lockleys, and 

 look up their abode in the, large red gums, where they have bred 

 each year for a considerable time past, owing to the protection 

 given them. Within a day or two the birds paired off, and 

 kept to themselves. If another bird came near, harsh, discordant 

 notes were given out, seemingly in protest of such encroachment. 

 Nesting started soon after the arrival of the birds, which selec- 

 ted the topmost limbs and branches of the high gum trees, out 

 of ordinary harm's way. but T am afraid that later in the month 

 the birds had been disturbed by guns being fired in the vicinity 

 one night, presumably by someone after o]>ossums. as these ani- 

 mals were also present. The next night the herons had shifted 

 their (piarters to some smaller gum trees close to my house, but 

 here it is not so suitable for nesting, being too near the ntain 

 road. Itut it is to be hoped that the scaring of the birds is only 

 temporary, as the s])ot where they have formerly built and 

 i-eai*ed their young is ideal. During the night in their new (piar- 

 ters 1 he birds were very agitated, and on one coming near an- 

 other. shar]> sna]ipiiig of bills could be heard, witli the usual 

 angry "kop, kop. koj)," and harsh grunting noise made in the 

 throat. During the daytime the herons are numerous in the 

 swamjts at the Reedbeds. just east of Henley Beach, where tliey 

 wade about in the shallow water up to theii- knees, ever and 

 anon probing their bills into the mud and grass we»Ml to secure 

 some acpiatic in.sect or a frog. 



Birds have started to nest early at Lockleys. Noted a 

 -Magpie (white-backed i carrying hair to line its nest on July 10. 

 All the month a pair has been particularly pugnacious, swoop- 

 ing down on anything and everything crossing the paddock, the 

 Hock of tame tui-keys getting their share of the battle, and each 

 tone the birds come at them the gobblers all join in an angry 

 chorus, and keep it up for a considerable time, getting more and 

 Tuore agitated each time, and louder in their indignation at 

 being attacked. 



On July 17. noted a White-})lumed Honey eatei* carrying 

 web and bits of fine grass, etc.. to construct its nest in a lemon 

 .scented pine near the back door. The nest was A\-el] on its wa\ 

 to completion by the end of the month. 



The Noi.><y Miiiahs are also pairing, and are very noi.sy and 

 (juarrelsome with ea<h other, also with any other bird that 

 conies near thcni. A pair of theni is nesting in a high r»Ml 



